"You will readily believe that I am in perfect ignorance of such a proceeding." "I might believe it, Prince," Mr.Uhtoff said, coldly, "had I not been aware that you and your officers have decoyed a number of Nana's friends to this palace and, on their arrival, had them suddenly arrested." Bajee Rao, practised dissimulator as he was, flushed at this unexpected accusation.
"I learned, sir," he said, after a pause, "that there was a plot against my person, by Nana Furnuwees and his adherents; and I have therefore taken what I considered the necessary step of placing these in temporary confinement." "It is a little strange, Your Highness, that the man who placed you on the musnud should be conspiring to turn you from it.

However, what has been done has been done; and I cannot hope that any words of mine will avail to persuade you to undo an act which will be considered, throughout India, as one of the grossest treachery and ingratitude.

My duty is a simple one: namely, merely to report to my Government the circumstances of the case." The officers behind the Peishwa fingered the hilts of their swords, and the four troopers involuntarily made a step forward, to support the Resident.

Bajee, however, made a sign to those behind him to remain quiet; and the Resident, turning abruptly, and without salutation to the Peishwa, left the hall, followed by his men.
They mounted as soon as they had left the palace, and rode back to the Residency; Mr.Uhtoff keeping his place at their head, and speaking no word until he dismounted, when he asked Harry to accompany him to his room.
"This is a bad business, indeed, Mr.Lindsay.I cannot say that I am surprised because, having studied Bajee Rao's character, I have for some time been expecting that he would strike a blow at Nana.
Still, I acknowledge that it has come suddenly, and the whole position of affairs has changed.

Bajee has freed himself from Nana; but he has only riveted Scindia's yoke more firmly on his shoulders.